From the Editor (Summer 2007)

From the Editor
Summer 2007
Volume 3
Number 2




















The Summer 2007 issue is dedicated to the living memory of :

Don Ho

August 13, 1930 to April 14, 2007

Much has been written about the incomparable Don Ho, and many of our readers have very personal stories to share about how his songs and joie de vivre made them smile. Don Ho is a true Hawaiian legend. His family will carry on the Ho legacy through the Ohana Ho show in Waikiki. Don, we'll remember your music, smile and Aloha spirit.

Aloha,

We're excited to bring you the Tiki lowbrow art of Von Franco, this issue's featured artist. Tiki Farm's Holden Westland has this to say on writing the story: "There are so many layers of history that make up a guy who is the caliber and stature of Von Franco. I could easily have doubled or even tripled the content of the story. He's affected so many people in such a positive way and has got so many great little 'left and right turn' stories about his life. Franco's pretty bad ass, and I mean that in a good way."

Sven Kirsten offer his own take on Tiki Pioneer William Westenhaver and Witco. Not just an excerpt from Sven's new book Tiki Modern (Taschen), this is an orginal article on moderism, primitivism and Witco's role in the world of Tiki: "By the 1950s, not only abstract modernism, but also what inspired it, the art of 'primitive' peoples, become the new 'thing' to distinguish oneself as a cultured citizen of the modern world."

Our far-flung correspondents have traveled around the world to bring you the Tiki of the past, present and future. James Teitelbaum drove the highways and byways of New England, from Connecticut to Maine to the Canadian border. Chris Osburn reports on the old Trader Vic's in Havana, now called El Polinesio, and Kari Hendler ventured to Oahu one week after the passing of Don Ho. She met Ho's agent, Lou Robin, and gathered impressions from Shag, Holden Westland and others on whom Ho had a great impact.

Tiki revelers only had to wait eight months between Hukilaus. Jonpaul Balak and Chris Osburn were in Florida to soak it all up. Jonpaul also visited the new Jetsetter Lounge, "where your mid-century fantasy becomes reality."

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego on Friday November 2 at the Tiki Island art show at the Bali Hai. Come see new works by Derek Yaniger, Doug Horne, Thor, Gecko, Bosko, and many more.

Mahalo,

Nick Camara
Publisher/Editor

To subscribe, advertise, or to learn more about our magazine visit http://www.tikimagazine.com/.

From the Editor (Spring 2007)

From the Editor
Spring 2007
Volume 3
Number 1




















Aloha,

Ah, spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, love is all around and we're kicking off our third year. We're broadening our horizons, as evidenced by tattoo artist Mitch O'Connell's cover art. Mitch first encountered Tiki as a child by looking at his grandparents' copy of Aku-Aku by Thor Heyerdahl. Now he has his own collection of classic Tiki books and images to reference, though he puts a humorous spin on them and adds in pop culture icons.

Ken Pleasant, another modern artist inspired by classic Tiki, is profiled by our photo editor Jonpaul Balak, who says of the experience, "I was bitten by the Witco bug several years ago and am a great admirer of Ken Pleasant's carving, so it's a guilty pleasure to have the opportunity to gain more insight into his life and work. Ken is a true inspiration, both as an artist and a person."

Tiki respects the past while embracing the future. Morphing television into a brief no-holds-barred show perfectly suited to its home on the Web, "Tiki Bar TV" brings the party to a computer near you. Kari Hendler spent a night hitting the Tiki bars of Los Angeles with "Tiki Bar TV" co-creator Jeff Macpherson. "Since I work in the television industry, I was enthusiastic to write this story," says Kari. "Podcasting is the current Wild West of entertainment."

Our expanded horizon also includes two new features. Page 7 displays original art from one of the many outstanding Tiki artists today. We start off with artist Thorsten Hasenkamm. And Dream Wahine features pin-up photography in a Tiki setting. Our first model is Maura Solis of Miami, Fla., photographed by the multi-talented Hassan Patterson. Hassan also draws the comic Ooga Booga and created the caricature for this column.

We're launching a new website in April. We'll be www.tikimagazine.com from now on - visit often for information on the latest Tiki happenings and Tiki swag (new stickers, magnets and T-shirts coming soon). Tiki Magazine will also host our first art show, Tiki Island, in San Diego on November 2, 2007 at Shelter Island's famed Bali Hai Restaurant. We'll have more information in the summer issue and on our website.

Mahalo,

Nick Camara
Publisher/Editor

To subscribe, advertise, or to learn more about our magazine visit http://www.tikimagazine.com/.

From the Editor (Winter 2006/2007)

From the Editor
Winter 2006/2007
Volume 2
Number 3

Aloha,

Welcome to the Winter 2006-07 issue. Last year we called it Fall/Winter, but this year we chose to simplify and go with Winter. Looking back over 2006, two has been my lucky number: my son turned two, I now have two children, and we just finished our second year at Tiki Magazine. Wow!! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my wife Michelle and the magazine's wonderful staff. It is truly a privilege to work with each of you. I'd also like to thank our readers, subscribers, advertisers and distributors. You are the reason Tiki Magazine comes alive.

We have a lot of great features in this issue, starting with a fantastic cover by Tiki Tony and a feature story by Kari Hendler, who gives us a closer look at this modern day beachcomber. Jeff Chenault profiles guitar legend Billy Mure, who performed a stunning set with Ape at this year's Hukilau, and James Teitelbaum takes us on a trip to Honolulu. Jonpaul Balak gives us an historical look at the legendary Trader Vic Bergeron. These and many other features await you, along with some of your favorites such as Cherry Capri, Duke's Dusty Shelf and the Tiki comics.

I'm eagerly anticipating the coming year; we have some great things planned to reflect the fantastic world that is Tiki culture. From all of us at Tiki Magazine, have a safe and happy holiday season. We'll be back in April with our Spring edition.

Mahalo,

Nick Camara

Publisher/Editor

To subscribe, advertise, or to learn more about our magazine visit TikiMag.net.